Feet First’s look at pedestrian news for the week of July 15, 2011.
Weekly Walk Around the News
Posted by Derrick Van Kirk July 15, 2011
Local
Sightline’s Eric Hess gives his take on why legalizing food carts is a step towards making Seattle a more sustainable city. Besides, increasing food carts will undoubtedly increase the number of folks who will walk to get their favorite meals. As Hess explains, food carts provide affordable eating options throughout the city making it more walkable and attractive to people and ultimately discouraging sprawl.
National
The Towson area of Baltimore County is looking to revitalize its downtown core by creating a more walkable area with mixed use commercial and residential buildings to replace old parking lots. According to one source, if this area is improved and becomes an attractive destination, it could eventually compete with the City of Baltimore for visitors.
Here is another story about the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plan to implement new regulations requiring electric vehicles to emit some sort of noise to warn pedestrians of its approach. According to this article, this legislation has come on the heels of two studies that have indicated pedestrians may be at risk of being run over by electric vehicles because they cannot hear their approach.
The Powell Street Promenade has opened in downtown San Francisco. One of the busiest pedestrian corridors in the nation, the Promenade provides visitors with an enjoyable place to eat, chat and relax.
Peter Simek, editor of D Magazine in Dallas, takes readers of his latest post on an interesting walk through downtown Dallas. Complete with pictures and vivid descriptions of the architecture, Simek explains that despite its limitations, some areas of Dallas do have some walkable qualities after all.
The Los Angeles Times gives a positive spin on what they’re calling Carmageddon, this weekend’s closure of one of the major freeways in Los Angeles. Kudos to the Times for giving a brief calorie burning breakdown of what medical benefits might arise from running errands by foot instead of by car.
A debate between pedestrian safety and bicycle convenience is brewing In New York City. According to this report from the New York Observer, a plan to allow cyclist to use designated pedestrian walkways through Central Park has created safety concerns for pedestrians.
The Active School Neighborhood Checklist is a new way for users to determine how well a school allows and encourages walking a bicycling to school.
International
Streets have been closed in midtown Toronto to accommodate for a brand new urban square. The public space, compete with a farmers market, live music and café-style seating with shade, will be open for local residents to enjoy through Thanksgiving.
If you come across any interesting pedestrian news or stories, please send a link to derrick@feetfirst.org.
Photo of shoes courtesy of Flickr user blond avenger under the Creative Commons license.